Role of Percutaneous Microwave Ablation in Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with an annual occurrence of one million new cases. An etiologic association between HBV infection and the development of HCC has been established. Hepatitis C virus is also proving an important predisposing factor for this malignancy, the use of minimally invasive Percutaneous ablative technique (e.g. Radiofrequency (RF) and Microwave ablation (MW) has gained great momentum and because of the drawbacks of RF ablation, several groups have successfully proved the efficacious nature of Microwave ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Aim of the Work: The aim of this work is to highlight the role, the principles and the applications of percutaneous Microwave Ablation in Hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: The studied group included 30 patients (25 men and 5 women) with hepatocellular carcinoma. All patients underwent microwave ablation for the hepatocellular carcinoma. Results: The results of the procedures will be assessed as regarding sizeand enhancement of the lesion (s) on triphasic CT abdomen before the procedure and at the follow up at one month as well as the Alpha fetoprotein levels. Conclusion: MWA technique represents a safe, fast and efficacious way to perform hepatic ablation in patients with HCC. Initial results are encouraging; however, longer follow-up is needed for further classification of our results.